Perhaps even attempting to preview this series is a bit of false advertising as it implies a broader context in which a three-match ODI series between Zimbabwe and Pakistan is placed. It’s not. It was a series planned for the Future Tours Program (FTP), so a window had to be found, and the last week of November seemed like just the right time for it.

It is also necessary because Zimbabwe does not have any recent ODIs to read into anyway. Their most consistent 50-over matches came in the summer of 2023, when they were among the tournament’s top two teams for the second consecutive qualifying campaign, with only one damaging defeat keeping them out of the World Cup proper. They followed that up with a pair of defeats to Ireland and Sri Lanka either side of the New Year, their final ODIs.

With no Champions Trophy appearance on the horizon, this series in itself will be a big deal for Zimbabwe, a chance to test themselves against a vastly superior opponent, but one where they can pull off some surprises from time to time .

While Aaqib said Pakistan would not tinker too much in the ODI side, there are some deviations from their full squad. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are all rested. With Fakhar Zaman also missing due to a mix of disciplinary and fitness issues, this means some unfamiliarity both at the start and end of the innings.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan may have to take on more batting responsibility, while Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will be given the opportunity to make the opening slots theirs. How Pakistan balance the squad is also a point of interest after they entered the Australian ODIs playing just four specialist fast bowlers, planning to simply bowl Australia out in 40 overs. It is likely that Pakistan will opt for a less enthusiastic approach at tracks that may not offer the same offering, with spinners Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram given opportunities to showcase their skills against perhaps less legendary opposition.

And that’s basically that. There is a risk of isolated showers for most of the coming week; Zimbabwe tends to get seasonal rain around this time of year. Bulawayo will offer a fun atmosphere; Zimbabwean fans always tend to do that. The relationship between these parties is friendly, and for Pakistan it is one of the few places where they will not be overrun by local media or supporters. This week is not the most high-profile cricket tour in the world, but it is a relaxed tour in a country that loves cricket. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then that’s actually all the context that matters.